It had been a few days since they reached Skyhold, but already the old fortress was full to the brim of people, soldiers and refugees alike. Maxwell soon emerged from his chambers and gazed up into the bright sunlight.

It was then that he saw his guard along with Cassandra, Cullen, Josephine, and Leliana talking quietly together. He had to admit that it was unusual that none of them seem to be arguing. Cassandra looked up and caught sight of her. The other three departed, and Cassandra walked over. She gestured at the people walking around the courtyard.

"They arrive daily from every settlement in the region. Skyhold is becoming a pilgrimage." Cassandra gestured for Maxwell to walk with her. "If word has reached these people, it will have reached the elder one. We have the walls and numbers to put up a fight here, but this threat is far beyond the war we anticipated. But we now know what allowed you to stand against Corypheus, what drew him to you."

"He came for this," said Maxwell gesturing to his marked hand, "and now it's useless to him, so he wants me dead. That's it."

"The Anchor has power, but it's not why you're still here," said Cassandra. "Perhaps in more ways than you've considered." Cassandra continued walking. "Your decisions let us heal the sky. Your determination brought us out of Haven." She led Maxwell towards the stairs. "You are that creature's rival because of what you did. And we know it. All of us. The Inquisition requires a leader: the one who has already been leading it." Leliana stood on the landing, a longsword lying across her hands and standing next to her were Adaar and the others. Below, the survivors of Haven were starting to gather, led by Cullen and Josephine. Cassandra turned back to face Maxwell. "You."

Maxwell stared at the faces below him before turning towards Cassandra. "But what of Adaar and the others?"

"You're the one who's made the tough decisions," Adaar pointed out.

"You're also human who actually believe in the Maker," Erdic added.

"You're also the only one among us who is actually dealt with nobility other than looking for work," said Ellana.

Maxwell just stared at all of them. "It's unanimous? You have all that much confidence in me?"

"All of these people have their lives because of you," Cassandra pointed out. "They will follow."

"That wasn't the question."

"I won't lie, handling this much power to anyone a troubling," Cassandra admitted. "But I have to believe this is meant to be. There would be no Inquisition without you. How it will serve, how you lead: that must be yours to decide."

The hilt of the blade was fashioned to look like a dragon's head. He wrapped his fingers around the hilt, and took it gently from Leliana. Light reflected off the blade as he held it in front of her.

"Corypheus will never let me live in peace. He made that clear," he said and then turned to look at the gathered people. "He intends to be a god, to rule over us all. Corypheus must be stopped."

"And we'll stand beside you with every step," said Adaar.

"That monster killed thousands of my people to create the blood ritual that allowed him to enter into the Fade," said Ellana. "I'll stand beside you to stop his evil."

"He's also the reason how come my people have been fighting every day and night against the darkspawn," said Erdic. "I'll help you take that bastard down."

Cassandra and looked at Maxwell. "Wherever you lead us." She then stepped towards the edge of the landing and raised her voice. "Have our people been told?"

"They have," said Josephine. "And soon the world."

"Commander, will they follow?"

"Inquisition! Will you follow?" Cullen's question was answered by a loud cheer. "Will you fight?" Another cheer answered him. "Will we triumph?" Their voices raised again. Cullen drew his sword as he turned back towards her. "Your leader! Your Herald!" He raised the blade, pointing it towards her. "Your Inquisitor!"

Maxwell raised the blade she held in response. They continued to cheer. Josephine joined in before catching herself, and Cullen gave the ambassador a bemused look.


Cullen opened the door into the great hall, holding it for the rest of them to enter. "So this is where it begins."

"It began in the courtyard," said Leliana touched one of the walls. "This is where we turn that promise into action."

"But what do we do?" Josephine asked as she took her pen off her board, and then replaced it. "We know nothing about this Corypheus except that he wanted your mark?"

Ellana crossed her arms. "Corypheus wants to restore Tevinter. Is this a prelude to war with the Imperium?"

"I get the feeling we're dealing with extremists, not the vanguard of a true invasion," Cullen said.

Josephine nodded agreement. "Tevinter is not the Imperium of a thousand years ago. What Corypheus yearns to 'restore' no longer exists." She took up her pen again. "Though they would shed no tears if the south fell to chaos, I'm certain."

Maxwell considered a moment. "Corypheus said he wanted to enter the Black City, that this would make him a god."

"He is willing to tear this world apart to reach the next," said Leliana slashing a hand through the air. "It won't matter if he's wrong."

"What if he's not wrong?" Cullen gestured. "If he finds some other way into the Fade…"

Leliana sighed. "Then he gains the power he seeks or unleashes catastrophe on us all."

"Either way we have to stop him," said Erdic.

Maxwell had to leave that problem to Solas. He knew far more about the Fade and its possibilities than the rest of them. "Could his dragon really be an Archdemon? What would that mean?"

"It would mean the beginning of another Blight," said Leliana paling slightly at the thought.

Josephine shook her head. "We've seen no darkspawn other than Corypheus himself. Perhaps it's not an archdemon at all, but something different?"

"Whatever it is, it's dangerous." Cullen touched his sword hilt. "Commanding such a creature gives Corypheus an advantage we can't ignore."

"Someone out there must know something about Corypheus," said Adaar.

"Unless they saw him on the field, most will not believe that he even exists," said Cullen.

"I have heard the name before," said Eridc and everyone turned and stared at him. "It was many years ago, but several members of the Carta went rogue and began muttering about 'Corypheus' I just thought they went mad, but now I wonder."

"We do have one advantage: we know what Corypheus intends to do next," said Leliana and turned to look at Maxwell and Ellana. "In that strange future you two experienced, Empress Celene had been assassinated."

"Imagine the chaos her death would cause. With his army…" Josephine's pen dotted the air.

"An army he'll bolster with a massive force of demons, or so the future tells us," Cullen added.

"Corypheus could conquer the entire south of Thedas, god or no god." Josephine put her pen down again.

Leliana sighed. "I'd feel better if we knew more about what we were dealing with."

"I know someone who can help with that," said a voice. They all turned towards Varric. He walked towards them. "Everyone acting all inspirational jogged my memory, so I sent a message to an old friend. He crossed paths with Corypheus before, and may know more about what he's doing. He can help."

"I'm always looking for new allies." Maxwell nodded to him. "Introduce me."

Varric rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "Parading around might cause a fuss. It's better for you to meet privately. On the battlements." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Leliana and Josephine exchange a look. "Trust me. It's complicated." He turned and walked away.

"Well, then." Josephine adjusted her board. "We stand ready to move on both of these concerns."

"On your order, Inquisitor." Cullen nodded to him.

Leliana was still watching the dwarf leave the room. "I know one thing: If Varric has brought who I think he has, Cassandra is going to kill him."


"Have you met this 'friend' of Varric's, Inquisitor?" Cassandra folded her arms.

"Not yet, no," said Maxwell.

"It had better not be who I think it is." Cassandra's eyes narrowed. "I will wring that little bastard's neck."

"Why? Who do you think it is?" Adaar asked

"Someone Varric claimed he could not contact." Cassandra gestured furiously. "Someone the Inquisition—indeed, all of Thedas—desperately needed." She gazed up at the battlements suspiciously. "I'll reserve judgment until I know for certain. No need to have that rogue screaming 'persecution' yet again."

Maxwell really hated being Varric right now.


Maxwell and Adarr met Varric on the battlements. They had only been there for a few seconds when a black haired man with a thick black beard, wearing strange armour with a staff strapped to his back descended down the steps.

"Inquisitor, Adaar, meet Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall," said Varric.

"Though, I don't use that title much anymore," said Hawke.

"Hawke, the Inquisitor and a member of his guard, Adaar. I figured you might have some friendly advice about Corypheus." Varric glanced from one to the other. "You and I did fight him, after all." Varric walked a few feet away, swinging the bottle by the neck.

Hawke leaned across the battlement and looked down into the courtyard. "This view reminds me of my home in Kirkwall. I had a balcony that overlooks the whole city." He closes eyes. "I loved it at first. But after a while, all I could see were the people out there depending on me."

"You're lucky it was just a whole city," said Maxwell crossing his arms. "I've got half of Thedas."

"You're doing everything you can to protect them," said Hawke.

"Does it ever get any easier?"

"I'll let you know," Hawke sighed. "I don't envy you, Inquisitor. Or your guard. But I might be able to help you."

"Varric said that you fought Corypheus before," said Adaar, wanted to move the conversation forwards.

"Fought and killed. The Grey Wardens were holding him, and he somehow used his connection to the darkspawn to influence them," said Hawke.

Varric nodded. "Corypheus got into their heads. Messed with their minds. Turned them against each other."

"If the Wardens have disappeared, they could have fallen under his control again."

Maxwell stared at Hawke. "If that's what happened to the Wardens, do you think we can free them?"

Hawke shrugged. "It's possible. But we need to know more first." He hesitated a moment, then continued. "I've got a friend in the Wardens. He was investigating something unrelated for me. His name is Stroud. The last time we spoke, he was worried about corruption in the Warden ranks. Since then, nothing."

"Corypheus would certainly qualify as corruption in the ranks. Did your friend disappear with them?" Varric asked.

"No," said Hawke shaking his head. "He told me he'd be hiding in an old smuggler's cave near Crestwood."

"If you didn't know about Corypheus, what were you doing with the Wardens?" Adaar frowned.

"The templars in Kirkwall were using a strange form of lyrium. It was red." Hawke must have seen recognition in her eyes. He nodded, and continued. "I'd hoped the Wardens could tell me more about it."

"Corypheus had templars with him at Haven. They looked like they'd been exposed to the lyrium you describe," said Maxwell.

"Hopefully my friend in the Wardens will know more."

"I appreciate the help."

"I'm doing this as much for myself as for you," said Hawke. "Corypheus is my responsibility. I thought I'd killed him before. This time, I'll make sure of it."

"You said that you thought you killed Corypheus?" said Adaar frowning.

"The Grey Wardens had him imprisoned. They use my father's blood in a ritual to seal Corypheus inside," Hawke explained. "But he could still reach out and influence the Wardens' thoughts. He sent them after me. And I didn't just think I killed him. When the fight was done, he was dead on the ground."

Hawke rubbed the back of his head. "Maybe his tie to the blight somehow brought him back, or maybe it's old Tevinter magic… but he was dead. I swear it."

Maxwell believed him, Corypheus must've also survived the explosion at the Conclave somehow.

"Where did you go after the mages rebellion?" Maxwell asked curiously.

"I heard of the Chantry might be sending the Exalted March to Kirkwall to put down the rebellion. We thought that leaving would save lives and the Divine to divide her forces to hunt for us. But all the Circles rising up by then." Hawke shook his head. "We helped a lot of them take that final step."

"I'd like to know more about Anders," said Maxwell.

Hawke sighed. "I don't know there was ever just an 'Anders'." He shook his head. "He was crazy. By the end, there was nothing left in him except this insane need to start a war no one could win."

Maxwell nodded and then looked at him curiously. "I heard that you had family in Kirkwall. Where are they now?"

"My brother's a Grey Warden. I had my friend Aveline taken far from Orlais as possible. When all the wardens started acting strangely, I had to keep my family safe. Merrill is helping elven refugees who were displaced by the war. I didn't want to take her away from that. She's also taking care of our daughter, Leandra, it's been a while since I've seen them."

Adaar crossed her arms. "I assume that Varric's been feeding new information about the Inquisition? What did he say about us?"

"The good things, I promise," Hawke assured. "I was a little surprised, actually. Varric is not one for religion in general, but he thinks highly of the Inquisition. I think the exact phrase was…" He mimicked Varric's voice, "'has a good shot at fixing Blondie's mess'."

"Well, thank you for the information, let's hope were not too late to see the Wardens."

"I hope you're right."


Maxwell began exploring the fortress to find out more about it and came across Dorian at a bookshelf.

"Brilliant, isn't it?" said Dorian as he frowned at one of the books, and then casually tossed it onto a table before continuing to reorder the others. "One moment you're trying to restore order in a world gone mad. That should be enough for anyone to handle, yes?" He glared at another book and for a moment he thought he was going to toss it over the balcony. Instead, he shoved it contemptuously onto the very top shelf. "Then, out of nowhere, an Archdemon appears and kicks you in the head. 'What? You thought this would be easy?' 'No, I was just hoping you wouldn't crush our village like an anthill.' 'Sorry about that! Archdemons like to crush, you know. Can't be helped.'" He turned, and apparently caught his expression. "Am I speaking too quickly for you?"

"You don't need to worry about me. I can keep up," said Maxwell as he continued to watch his war against the library.

"Yes, I noticed that." At least one of the tomes got a nod of approval from him. He moved it to a different bookshelf.

"Did you, now?"

"Certainly. If you were a slack-jawed yokel…" said Dorian glaring. "You'd already be dead." He shook his head and turned away from the sight. "I always assumed the 'Elder One' behind the Venatori was a magister, but this… is something else entirely. In Tevinter, they say the Chantry's tales of magisters starting the Blight are just that: tales. But here we are. One of those very magisters. A darkspawn."

"Who does the Imperium say started the Blight?"

"You know how it is. 'Not us.' They say darkspawn were always there; magisters and the Blight aren't even related." He tossed a book onto a growing stack on a chair. "Is that a surprise? No one wants to admit they shit the bed. But if Corypheus is one of the magisters who entered the Black City and he's darkspawn…" Dorian stopped what he was doing and turned to look at him. "What other explanation is there?"

"Why does that make you angry?" Maxwell frowned.

"Because the Imperium is my home. I knew what I was taught couldn't be the whole truth, but I assumed there had to be a kernel of it. Somewhere." He leaned his back against the bookshelf and folded his arms. "But no. It was us all along. We destroyed the world."

He shook his head at him. "You didn't do anything. Those men did. A thousand years ago."

"True, except that one of them is up and walking around right now." He turned back to the shelf and began moving books around again. "Not to mention I have idiot countrymen who would happily follow him down that path again. No one will thank me, whatever happens" He tossed another book aside, and then turned back to him again. "No one will thank you, either. You know that, yes?"

"We don't know what will happen. Nobody does."

"An optimist!" Dorian laughed. "Such a rare bleed, I've stumbled across a unicorn!" His shoulders slumped slightly. "All I know is this: Corypheus needs to be stopped. Men like him ruined my homeland. I won't stand by and let him ruin the world." He picked up the stack of books and began carrying them towards a different group of bookshelves. "Oh, and congratulations on that whole leading-the-Inquisition thing, by the way."

Maxwell smiled, and continued up the stairs.


"I'm sorry." Leliana took a scroll case from Cullen.

"So am I." Cullen nodded to Maxwell as he passed him on the stairs. He watched him for a moment, and then continued up to speak to Leliana.

Leliana was staring at the scroll case. She glanced up at Maxwell. "The names of those we lost." She set it on the table, and stared at it some more, her shoulders slumped. "You must blame me for this."

"We all saw who attacked us. We know exactly who to blame," said Maxwell as she watched Leliana tending to little Oisine who was in a cradle nearby.

"I keep wondering if I could've done something different." Leliana as she bowed her head. She shook her head, then walked to the window. "When the first of my lookouts went missing, I pulled the rest back, awaiting more information. If they'd stayed in the field, they could've bought us more time." She folded her arms. "I was afraid to lose my agents, and instead we lost Haven."

"You look out for your people," said Maxwell touched the scroll case, and then turned to look at Leliana. "That's a good thing."

"Is it?" Leliana let her hands fall to her sides. "My people know their duty. They know the risks. They understand that the Inquisition may call upon them to give their lives."

Maxwell slapped his hand down on the table, causing Leliana to jump and Osine to cry. "Our people aren't tools to be used and discarded. Your instincts were right. Their lives matter."

"Can we afford such sentimentality? What if Corypheus—"

"We are better than Corypheus." He met Leliana's gaze steadily. It took the spymaster a few moments to nod.


Erdic found Sera was pacing under a makeshift tent in the courtyard. "So, Maxwell is Inquisitor now." She threw up her hands. "Remember that war we talked about stopping? Full of little baddies I can stick with little arrows? That's not a frigging Archdemon, is it!" She paced back and forth. "Andraste, what'd I step in?"

"I've apparently been through a lot," Edric sighed. "But yes, Corypheus was a surprise."

"No, a surprise would be, 'oh, I stepped in dog shite.' No one says, 'oh, a magister god monster. I'm surprised.' Impossible things aren't surprises." Sera continued pacing the same four feet of tent.

"The ancient thing trying to kill us seems pretty real."

"Don't get me started." Sera stopped, and blinked. "Oh, wait, too late, right? A magister who cracked the 'Black City.' It's dream, right? I mean, if it's real real, then the seat of the Maker? Real thing." She went back to pacing, gesticulating wildly. "A seat needs a butt, so the Maker? Real thing. Fairy stories about the start and end of the world? Real things. It's too far, innit? I just want to plug the skyhole rubbish so I can go play."

Erdic couldn't help but agree. "Keep calling it nonsense. That perspective will keep the Inquisition grounded."

Sera's face broke into a wide smile. "Oh, I can do that. Sure could use a few more people shouting 'no.' We fight, the bad things go away, everyone calms down, and everything goes back to normal." She turned to face Erdic, and spread her hands. "A nice, well-paid normal."

"You're starting to not sound completely crazy."

"I know. Scary, innit?" She punched her palm. "So bring 'em on!" Her head tilted to one side. "But first, food. I'm starving." She dashed off.


"Maker! You're a mess! Let me have a look at you." Vivienne's eyes traced the still visible bruises on Ellana's face. She looked genuinely concerned. "Are you all right, my dear? Are you still hurt? You look dreadful."

"You should have seen me an hour ago," said Ellana crossing her arms.

It was clear Vivienne wasn't fooled. "We should do something about this dirt. We don't need you to frighten the faithful." Vivienne stepped back and looked her over before giving a small nod of approval. "Let's keep up appearances. Maxwell's handled this crisis competently, saving as many lives as he did. But the enemy struck a serious blow against Maxwell and the Inquisition. We must recognise that. You must."

Ellana narrowed her eyes. "I'm not going to forgive what happened at Haven. Corypheus will answer for what he's done."

Vivienne nodded approvingly. "You're angry. Good. Anger can save you when everything else is gone. Just make sure you put it to good use. Our enemy advances, Ellana. We must not sit idly by. Act first, and teach them to fear us." Her head tilted to one side, and she smiled, just slightly. "I think you know what needs to be done, my dear."


Maxwell had reached the armoury and that's when he heard commotion upstairs. He quickly climbed up the steps and saw what appeared to be Cassandra straggling Varric.

"You knew where Hawke was all along!" Cassandra roared furiously.

"You're damned right I did!" said Varric pushing Cassandra back.

"You cannot little shit!"

Cassandra tried to punch him, but he ducked and ran behind a table. He kept his eyes cautiously on the furious Cassandra.

"You kidnapped me! Interrogated me!" Varric reminded. "What did you expect?"

Maxwell could see this would end badly and placed himself between the fiery woman and the cowardly dwarf.

"Hey! Enough!" he yelled.

Cassandra stared at him. "You're taking his side?"

"I said enough!" Maxwell yelled slamming his hand on the table.

The two of them looked as if they calm down a little, but they were still eye each other as they walked around one another.

"We needed someone to lead this Inquisition," said Cassandra. "First, Leliana and I searched for the Hero of Ferelden, but he had died and the other wardens vanished. Then we looked for Hawke, but he was gone, too. We thought it was all connected, but no." She then glared down at Varric. "It was you. You kept him from us."

"The Inquisition has a leader," said Varric gesturing to Maxwell.

"Hawke would have been at the Conclave! If anyone could save Most Holy…"

"Varric's not responsible for what happened at the Conclave," said Maxwell firmly.

"I was protecting my friend!" said Varric glaring up at Cassandra.

"Varric is a liar, Inquisitor. As snake," said Cassandra giving the dwarf a disgusting look. "Even after the Conclave, when we needed Hawke most, Varric kept him secret."

"He's with us now. We're on the same side!"

"We all know who's side you're on, Varric. It will never be the Inquisition's."

"Attacking him now won't help us, Cassandra," said Maxwell calmly.

"Exactly!" Varric agreed.

Maxwell then gave him a stern look. "And you better not be keeping anything else from us."

Varric sighed. "I understand."

Cassandra then turned away from the both of them and leaned against the banisters. "I must not think of what could have been. We have so much at stake," she said. "Go. Varric. Just, go."

Maxwell looked to Varric and he simply looked at him for a few seconds before he made his way downstairs. He stopped just as he reached the stairs and looked back at Cassandra.

"You know what I think? If Hawke had been at the temple, he'd be dead, too," he said before he made his way down the stairs. "You have done enough to him."

Maxwell stood there in complete silence and after a while Cassandra said, "I… believed him. He spun his story for me, and I swallowed it. If I'd just explained what was at stake… If I'd just make him understand…" She then made her way to a chair and sat on it. "But I didn't, did I? I did explain why we needed Hawke. I'm such a fool."

Maxwell bent down and smiled at Cassandra. "Good thing I still like you."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm serious!"

"You think I'm not?"

Cassandra smiled at him. "I want you to know, I have no regrets. Maybe if we'd found Hawke or any of the other Wardens, the Maker wouldn't have needed to send you all the others. But He did."

The two of them then stood up and Cassandra gave him a strange look.

"You're not what I pictured. But if I've learned anything, it's that I know less than nothing."


Eridc had heard about Cassandra's attempt to murder Varric and found him in the Great Hall with Bianca close to him as if he expected Cassandra to barge into the hall to strangle him.

"Cassandra's calm down," Erdic assured. "I think you can take your hand off your crossbow."

Varric, however, kept a firm grip on Bianca. "Define 'calmed down' for me in terms of who or what she's punching right now." He took a deep breath and looked at Erdic. "I wasn't trying to keep secrets. I told the Inquisition everything that seemed important at the time."

"I know, Varric," said Erdic as he sat down next to him. "You never would've kept quiet otherwise."

"I keep hoping… none of this is real. Maybe it's all some bullshit from the Fade, and it'll just disappear."

"Seriously? You thing anyone could come up with this stuff?" Erdic asked raising an eyebrow.

"Point taken," said Varric. He then sighed. "I know I need to do better. I'm sorry.


"So this is Skyhold," said Blackwall as Maxwell approached him. "Come. Let's walk the ramparts. I want to examine our fortifications."

They walked across the ramparts and they could see right across the valley. "We'll be able to see Corypheus coming from miles away."

"Corypheus thinks we're beaten," Maxwell nodded. "By the time he finds us, we'll be legion."

"I know soldiers. I know our soldiers. Corypheus made a hundred enemies when he kicked down our door." He punched a hand into his palm. "Let him come. I swear I'll take the twisted bastard down, even if I have to die to do it."

"I'm grateful for your support." He had heard tales of the seven wardens that ended the Blight in Ferelden. At the time he couldn't believe it, but now he did.

"It's my job, isn't it?" He gestured. "Killing darkspawn?" His face became serious again. "Look, in spite of it all, there is hope. The people flock to your banner. They believe in you." He started to walk away, and then turned back. "Tell me honestly: are you what they say you and the others are? Andraste's chosen?"

A week ago, he'd have said no. Now… "There is so little I remember. What if they're right?" The thought frightened him more than a little.

"Don't you see what you are to them? Without you, they'd be consumed by despair. We all would." He pointed to the soldiers. "They need you to be Andraste's messenger. It gives them hope. The truth doesn't matter." He gestured. "Ah, listen to me talk. Your time is valuable, and I've wasted enough of it."


"This thing is not a stray puppy you can make into a pet. It has no business being here."

"Wouldn't you say the same of an apostate?"

Maxwell walked towards where she could hear Vivienne and Solas arguing. Cassandra and Ellana were standing between the two of them. Cassandra nodded when she saw Maxwell approach. "Inquisitor, I wondered if Cole was perhaps a mage, given his unusual abilities."

Solas nodded. "He can cause people to forget him, or even fail entirely to notice him." He clasped his hands behind his back. "These are not the abilities of a mage. It seems that Cole is a spirit."

"It is a demon," said Vivienne folded her arms and glaring.

He shrugged. "If you prefer, although the truth is somewhat more complex."

Maxwell looked at Ellana, who simply shrugged. It appeared that she had no better idea what to do with Cole than any of them. Cole at the moment was sitting at the base of the stairs.

"Cole warned us about Corypheus at Haven. He saved a lot of lives," Ellana pointed out.

Vivienne's face was set with disapproving lines. "And what will its help cost? How many lives will this demon later claim?"

"In fact, his nature is not so easily defined," said Solas.

Cassandra shook her head. "Speak plainly, Solas. What are we dealing with?"

"Demons normally enter this world by possessing something." He gestured as he spoke. "In their true form, they look bizarre, monstrous."

"But you claim Cole looks like a young man." Cassandra folded her arms. "Is it possession?"

"No." Solas gestured sharply. "He has possessed nothing and no one, and yet he appears human in all respects." He turned to look at Maxwell. "Cole is unique, Inquisitor. More than that, he wishes to help. I suggest you allow him to do so."

"In my studies, demons either possessed something from this world or were summoned and bound," said Ellana frowning slightly. "They almost never look like something you'd mistake for a person."

"Normally, you would be correct. But Cole has willfully manifested in human form without possessing anyone."

Maxwell could see that Ellana was as fascinated as Solas was. If Cole was indeed a demon, he would rather watch him where he could see him.

"The demons who came through the Breach, or through the rifts, weren't possessing anything," Maxwell pointed out.

He nodded. "Those demons were drawn through against their will, driven mad by this world. But Cole predates the Breach. From what we can tell, he has lived here for months, perhaps years. He looks like a young man. For all intents and purposes, he is a young man. It is remarkable."

Maxwell didn't really seem as a demon or spirit, but a troubled young man and someone who needed help. "I should hear what Cole has to say for himself," said Maxwell. He turned towards where he had been sitting earlier, and saw nothing. "Where is he now?"

Cassandra began looking around. "If none of us remember him, he could be anywhere…"

Solas's grey eyes scanned the courtyard, and picked Cole out quickly. He nodded towards the makeshift infirmary, and Maxwell caught sight of Cole's hat. He walked in that direction. Cole looked at him as he approached. "Haven. So many soldiers fought to protect the pilgrims so they could escape." He turned his gaze to one of the soldiers. "Choking fear, can't think from the medicine but the cuts wrack me with every heartbeat. Hot white pain, everything burns. I can't, I can't, I'm going to… I'm dying, I'm…" The man he was looking at went still. "…dead."

He bent, and closed the man's eyes. He wasn't the first. He feared he wouldn't be the last. "You're feeling their pain?"

"It's louder this close, with so many of them."

It was hard enough seeing. He couldn't imagine feeling. "Would you like to go somewhere more comfortable?"

"Yes. But here is where I can help." He walked towards another soldier. "Every breath slower. Like lying in a warm bath. Sliding away. Smell of my daughter's hair when I kiss her goodnight. Gone." He turned away from the dead man, and his head came up. "Cracked brown pain, dry, scraping. Thirsty." He filled a cup with water, and brought it to another of the wounded. "Here."

"Thank you," said the soldier weakly.

He looked up at Maxwell. "It's all right. She won't remember me."

"You're using your powers as a spirit to help people?"

"Yes." He rose. "I used to think I was a ghost. I didn't know. I made mistakes…" He turned towards him. "But I made friends, too. Then a templar proved I wasn't real. I lost my friends. I lost everything. I learned to be more like what I am. It made me different, but stronger. I can feel more. I can help."

He looked so earnest. A lost boy. Maybe it was a trap, an insidious trick of a spirit, and yet… "If you're willing, the Inquisition could use your help."

His eyes became lighter. "Yes, helping. I help the hurt, the helpless, there's someone…" He went to another soldier. "Hurts. It hurts, it hurts, someone make it stop hurting, Maker please…" A knife appeared in his hand. "The healers have done all they can. It will take him hours to die. Every moment will be agony. He wants mercy. Help."

Maxwell was no healer and neither was Cole, if there was even a chance that he could survive they had to take it. "You say he won't die for hours yet, but you can't know that for certain."

"His body is failing."

"He could recover. Or the healers could find another way to help him."

"How do you know?" Cole's pale blue eyes met his darker blue.

"I don't. And neither do you. That's part of life."

Cole brushed the man's hair from his face. "Try." He stood, and looked back at him. "I want to stay."


Adaar found Cullen organising what remained of the soldiers from Haven. She had to admire his dedication as she watched runners running to and from different places of the fortress.

"Send men to scout the area. We need to know what's out there," said Cullen tapping the map that was spread out in front of him.

"Yes, sir!" The young man tapped his fist to his heart before rushing off to obey.

Another approached. "Commander. Soldiers have been assigned temporary quarters."

"Very good. I'll need an update on the armoury as well." Cullen frowned as the young man continued to stand there. "Now!" The young man blinked and rushed off immediately, nearly tripping over himself in his haste.

Cullen gave a fond shake of his head before noticing Adaar standing there. He sighed. "We set up as best we could at Haven, but could never prepare for an Archdemon—" He looked back at the map. "Or whatever it was. With some warning, we might have…" He rubbed the back of his neck.

Adaar folded her arms. "Do you ever sleep?"

Cullen didn't answer the question. "If Corypheus strikes again, we may not be able to withdraw…" For a moment, anger showed in his eyes. "And I wouldn't want to. We must be ready." He gestured at the maps and reports on the two crates he was using as a desk. "Work on Skyhold is underway, guard rotations established. We should have everything on course within the week." His hand touched the hilt of his sword. "I've informed the, Inquisitor that we won't run this time."

"How many were lost?" Adaar asked looking to the infirmary.

"Most of our people made it to Skyhold." He followed her gaze. "It could have been worse." He straightened. "Morale was low, but has improved greatly since Maxwell accepted the role of Inquisitor."

"I just hope that Maxwell is ready for the role of being a leader."

"He won't have to carry the Inquisition alone." Cullen turned to face her. "Although it must feel like it." His voice was gentle. "We needed a leader; he's have proven yourself."

"I agree and he is certainly much better qualified than any of us. Ellana and Erdic have never led before and I've only led a small party of mercenaries. Besides, with him being human he would be more acceptable for those of the Chantry."

Cullen nodded. "When you put it like that, he was our only choice, but the right one."

"Thank you, Cullen," said a voice behind them. They turned and saw Evelyn approaching them. "Our escape from Haven…" Adaar could tell that she was blushing slightly. "It was close. I'm relieved that you—" She caught herself. "That so many made it out."

"As am I." He started to go back to the desk, and then turned towards her again. The words came out of him in a rush. "Your brother stayed behind. He could have—" He swallowed. "I will not allow the events at Haven to happen again. You have my word."

Adaar raised an eyebrow towards Evelyn, who apparently finally noticed and shrugged uneasily.


Maxwell found Iron Bull leaning against the tavern wall as if he had been expecting him to come past.

"Inquisitor, huh?" he said. "Well, you've got the fortress for it. Speaking of which, when you've got a second, there's something I wanna show you."

"What did you want me to come and see?" Maxwell asked.

"Here come on," Iron Bull gestured. "I'll show you."

It was late at night and Maxwell was wearing the same uniform the Chargers wore.

"Why I dressed up like this?" Maxwell asked looking up at Iron Bull.

"You'll see," said Iron Bull. He then gestured for him to follow him. "Come on, it'll be worth your time. I promise."


Moments later, they approached to soldiers playing cards. One was a young man in the other a middle-aged woman.

"Evening," said Iron Bull as they sat next to them. "Iron Bull. My merc band just signed up."

"Tanner. I'm from Jader," he said. He then shrugged. "Well, near Jader."

"Mira," said the middle-aged woman. "I was guard-captain for Lady Pendell. Signed on after shit blew up at the Conclave." She then looked to the mugs and caskets near them. "Share a drink?" She then noticed Maxwell sitting next to him. "Who is your friend?"

"This is Grim," said Iron Bull as he accepted a drink from Tanner. "He doesn't talk much."

Maxwell decided to play along and simply grunted.

Iron Bull then looked to the two soldiers in front of. "So, you to kill some demons or Venatori… or whatever that Corypheus asshole is?"

Mira narrowed her eyes at him. "This isn't just about killing. We're helping the Inquisitor and his guard save the world and build the next empire."

Maxwell grunted again.

"Well, as long as I get paid, I'm happy," Iron Bull shrugged. "That's why I signed up."

Tanner then looked particularly happy about this comment. "I just couldn't spend my whole life on a farm. Needed to live a little, you know?"

Iron Bull then looked to Mira. "What about you, Mira? Why'd you join up? I thought you were serving some noble."

"I saw what happened to Haven," said Mira. "The Inquisitor staring down that monster and his Archdemon and, his guard saving as many people as they could from those traitorous templars… I don't sing the Chant of Light as much as I should, but you can't see something like that not believe."

"Well, Grim and I should get back to our tents," said Iron Bull as they got back onto their feet. "Thanks for the drink."

Once they were a safe distance away and out of earshot Iron Bull looked at Maxwell.

"I know every soldier under my command. You don't have that option… but a few faces might help," said Iron Bull.

Maxwell looked back at the two soldiers were still playing cards. "I knew some of the soldiers felt like that, but to actually hear it…"

Iron Bull nodded. "It's hard to be just an idea sometimes. That's all you are to most of them. It's why you could stand right in front of them without being recognised." He then smiled at him. "You got a good army coming along. Remember that, no matter what comes next.